: Peatlands, black spruce-tamarack bogs, alder swamps, and the sandy shores of lakes and creeks.
: Its rods are valued for basketry and making tension trays because they retain a glossy sheen even after drying, unlike many other willow varieties that become dull. balsam willow
: The leaves are typically ovate to elliptic, often with a heart-shaped base . They are dark glossy green on top and pale blue-green (glaucous) with prominent veins on the underside. : Peatlands, black spruce-tamarack bogs, alder swamps, and
: It requires moist to wet, nutrient-poor, acidic soil and does not tolerate drying out. They are dark glossy green on top and
: While general willow species are known as "nature's aspirin" due to their salicin content (used for pain and fever relief), balsam willow is specifically noted in some traditions for its aromatic properties and potential medicinal interest.
: It is used in landscape restoration for stabilizing streambanks and controlling soil erosion.
: As a dioecious species, it has separate male and female plants. The catkins appear in early spring, often with or just before the leaves.